Letters to the Editor

A recent news report said child care facilities serving more than six children at a time have been shut down to reduce the spread of the coronavirus in Illinois.

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This difficult but necessary step has spotlighted the ongoing importance of affordable, high-quality child care for parents who are working or in school full-time. These programs – which are imperative even in normal times in order to start children on the path toward productive, crime-free lives – are crucial to allow law enforcement, health providers and other essential workers to meet community needs during this pandemic.

But there is some good news: First, the State of Illinois is in the process of ramping up child care options, in small settings, for these needed workers. Essential workers seeking child care can call 888-228-1146 or visit https://emergencycare.inccrra.org/.

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Second, the latest COVID-19 legislation provides sorely needed relief for child care providers. Federal money provided to Illinois will help fund emergency care in the short-term, and will allow providers to remain viable and re-open when the worst is behind us. Furthermore, child care centers will be eligible for immediate emergency loans and larger, forgivable loans through the Small Business Administration.

I, and my fellow law enforcement leaders who are members of Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, commend state and federal leaders for remembering the needs of families and children during this crisis. Such investments help us in the battle against disease today, and will aid us in the battle against crime tomorrow.

Michael Nerheim, Lake County state’s attorney

Might real estate tax breaks be on the way?

The coronavirus has caused a mortgage and credit card payment moratorium. Also, sheriff’s foreclosure enforcement is reduced; and stimulus checks are on their way, via mail and direct deposit. What about real estate taxes, due in June and September?

Most of realty tax pays for local schools, which are all closed down anyway. Will Illinois politicians be giving us a break on our homes and small businesses? Or are they unable to, absent federal monies to make up the difference?

Submit letters to the editor via email to suburbanletters@ tribpub.com. Please include your name and town of residence for publication. Please include phone number and email address for confirmation. Letters should be no more than 250 words.